PRLog - Nov. 29, 2012 - DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 28 , 2012 – Ford Motor Company today announced winners of the Ford Freedom Unsung Award, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions in their communities. Honorees will be recognized for their outstanding achievements at the Academy of Medicine at Georgia Institute of Technology on Dec. 7.

Made possible by a grant from Ford Motor Company Fund, Ford Freedom Unsung salutes and honors everyday people and organizations that have positively impacted communities and whose achievements serve to enlighten and inspire others.

“Ford is proud to honor the contributions of others who go above and beyond to positively impact communities, but are often not recognized for what they do,” said Pamela Alexander, director of Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Whether it is a mother who tutors children, a brother who sacrificed years serving his country, a neighbor who leads a nonprofit organization or a father who dedicated his life to serving the homeless, unsung heroes surround us every day and look for nothing in return.”

Ford is launching this new national program in Atlanta as part of its ongoing commitment to honor distinguished Americans who dedicate their lives to improving the community where they live and the world at large. Award categories include Community, Education, Military, Youth and Organization.

”The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is honored to partner with the Ford Motor Company in presenting these awards to 25 very deserving persons. What we have learned from studying the American Civil Rights Movement and human rights movements across the globe is that every day people who decide to do extraordinary things do indeed change the world. These are change agents in our own backyard and we thank them for their service and commitment to the community, “ said Deborah J. Richardson, Executive Vice President, National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Awarding-winning actress KeKe Palmer will serve as youth ambassador for the Ford Freedom Unsung program. KeKe is not only known for her outstanding career in entertainment, but also for her ongoing commitment to youth issues such as bullying prevention. Palmer joins others lending their support to this effort in presenting the awards.

In honor of their contributions to their community, the 2012 Ford Freedom Unsung –Atlanta Edition awards will be given to:

# # #About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 172,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (civilandhumanrights.org) will display The Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection, the award-winning Without Sanctuary lynching exhibit and the Benny Andrews John Lewis Collection. The Center will serve as a hub for ongoing dialogue, attracting world-renowned speakers and artists who work on a variety of human rights topics. Located in Downtown Atlanta at Pemberton Place and equipped with broadcast and event space, the Center will host civil and human rights conversations among scholars, organizations and the public.